Sport

Oxford United boss: We want points, not praise

First published
in Sport
by David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

MICHAEL Appleton is getting irritated with praise from opposition managers after Oxford United failed to convert another decent display, writes DAVID PRITCHARD.

Visitors Portsmouth were on the ropes in the first half, but United could not land a telling blow and lost 1-0 to Craig Westcarr’s scruffy 80th-minute effort.

It left United bottom of the Sky Bet League Two table, without a point from their first four games.

In at least three of the fixtures, Appleton’s men have been the better side, but while there are positive signs for the head coach, the lack of reward is frustrating.

He said: “I’m fed up of managers and coaches telling me they’ve got out of jail and that we should’ve won the game.

U's v Pompey highlights

“That’s a little bit annoying, but you can only just keep going and keep doing the right things.

“I wanted to change the DNA and the culture of the club when I came in.

“The players said to me as difficult as it is losing a game of football, it feels ten times better than it did at the end of last season, because they’re doing it the right way.

“They’re playing to the strengths of the people that are in the building.

“They’re enjoying their football, regardless of what’s happening at the minute and know at any minute it’s going to turn.”

Pompey manager Andy Awford, a former U’s coach, acknowledged the visitors had been second best before the break, but praised their resolve.

He said: “We didn’t play as well as we can in the first half – the standard wasn’t quite what we set ourselves in recent games.

“So to dig in, get the result and come away with three hard-earned points is excellent.”

Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.

Latest United news:

Comments (3)

It's frustrating to watch at the moment, obviously is for the Manager as well as us fans. The team are not playing badly and appear to know what they are doing but once they have missed a few chances heads start to drop. They need to keep them up, yes I know we need new players, a midfielder and goalscorer but overall they aren't playing badly as a team. Sadly when things aren't going for you a team can get caught out and things slide before they improve but it's early days, statistics look grim at present, bottom, lost eight in succession I know but this team with additions can and will improve. Mid table by Christmas.

It's frustrating to watch at the moment, obviously is for the Manager as well as us fans. The team are not playing badly and appear to know what they are doing but once they have missed a few chances heads start to drop. They need to keep them up, yes I know we need new players, a midfielder and goalscorer but overall they aren't playing badly as a team. Sadly when things aren't going for you a team can get caught out and things slide before they improve but it's early days, statistics look grim at present, bottom, lost eight in succession I know but this team with additions can and will improve. Mid table by Christmas.Richard Wickson

One thing is for sure - performances like those we are giving
allied to a new golascorer will surely see the U's move up
the table to safety.

I certainly want to see the missing 2,000 back who vowed to stay
away under Wilder and then Lenagan to show up, put their grievances
aside, and back their club.

We are close to being a good footballing team who gets results
so patience is key.

COYY

One thing is for sure - performances like those we are giving
allied to a new golascorer will surely see the U's move up
the table to safety.
I certainly want to see the missing 2,000 back who vowed to stay
away under Wilder and then Lenagan to show up, put their grievances
aside, and back their club.
We are close to being a good footballing team who gets results
so patience is key.
COYYLeagueOneOx